Weekend Sunshine

What a weekend! By now, most of you probably know that I ran the Boston Run to Remember half marathon this weekend.  What an emotional and amazing experience.  The tribute to our fallen law enforcement officers and a special tribute to Officer Collier in addition to the crowd, the overwhelming "Boston strong" presence, and personally the fundraiser for the Alzheimer's Association caused most to get at least a little bit choked up. It was, by far, the best race I've ever run.

​I hope you all had a fantastic Memorial Day Weekend.  Let us all be so grateful for those that serve our country.

​Kicking off Weekend Sunshine with one of my all time favorites.  This song came on right as mile 9 started and I immediately got a little kick in my step and picked up my pace. I am not kidding.

Ready to go... ALZ Singlet, bib, kicks, & Boston strong head band. 

On the right, Seaport Blvd...  American flags & downtown Boston.

On the left, I was waiting to go... it was only 41 degrees at the starting line!

And, on the back of every runner's shirt, we wore a special bib with Officer Sean Collier's badge number.  He was going to run the race on Sunday.

​The only picture I took during the run (my phone is my music).  There were at least 25 or 30 cruisers lined up with at least 30 officers to give us high 5's right near MIT.

​Here I am after I finished.  Came in at 1:56:29.  I ended up getting my personal best and took 4 minutes off my original PR.  If you asked me a month ago if I thought I would accomplish that, I would have looked at you like you were crazy.  I think there were numerous reasons that I felt so good (adrenaline), but, I must say that cross-training (boxing classes) and knowing that I was running FOR something instead of for myself is what helped me do it. Who's running with me next year?

Last but definitely not least, my niece, Ella turned 7 YEARS OLD today. Where does the time go!? Here she is in the Memorial Day Parade with her Daisy troop.  All seven years of her.

Happy Birthday, Ella... ​you are the sweetest, smartest girl I know. Love you very much.

​I hope you all had a great weekend despite the rain. Let me know how you spent it! Have a great week! xo

Bikini Beach Prep Part 1

Summer seems to be taking a while to get here this year, but, before you know it, it'll be beach time!​ Are you ready?

Now... I feel the need to preface this post by saying... if you live a healthy lifestyle, you should always be ready for bikini season. That being said, there are tips & tricks I follow in the month or so leading up to summer to really ensure I feel as confident as possible before I throw on my bikini. I'll make this a series as we progress into Summer, we'll start with three.

#1 Get Yo Lift On!​

Cardio will keep you trim, your endurance in check, and overall pretty dang healthy.  Lifting provides better muscle definition and longer lasting fat burn. ​I like body weight exercises.

My Key Moves:

1. Squats with overhead press

2. Ab criss-cross (aka 'the bicycle) this move works your entire abdominal including your obliques!

3. Push ups

4. Lunges

5. Supermans (Lay on your stomach and lift both arms and legs up) works back and glutes

6. Butt bridge curls ​​

​#2. Watch the Sugar Intake

I always say... it's easy to maintain weight, it's just tough to lose it. If you know me, you know that I usually have some sort of dessert after dinner (and sometimes a couple dark chocolate hershey kisses after lunch).  When I'm getting ready for beach season, I cut out these "extras" during the week.​ I usually add it back in once I'm at the weight or "look" I like.

#3 Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate

Drink your water.​ I don't think I need to list of all of the health benefits that you already know. Just remember, it keeps your muscles hydrated, your appetite satiated, and metabolism moving.

I'll continue to post tips as we move into Summer.  Most importantly, exercise, eat healthy, and be CONFIDENT. You'll radiate. Have an awesome week!​

Weekend Sunshine

​I just made the cut to get in a "Friday Sunshine" post!  Enjoy, my friends...

​Friday, the vacation crew (sans Janet & Matt) headed over to Steel & Rye.  The last time I was there, we got wine. This time, we sampled the drinks... they are just as good as the food! They make all of their own mixers so everything is very fresh. I especially like the "Maritime Out". 

Saturday afternoon, I headed out for my last long run before my half marathon next week. I noticed that they planted little 'Boston Strong" flower beds on the Northern Ave bridge.  I was on mile 9 at this point and starting to get tired... this was a nice pick-me-up. If you are interested in donating to my cause... click here. I am 75% to goal!​

​Bowling at Kings on Saturday night, Mr. Boombastic came on... bring on the dance party. Click below & enjoy.

I'm so happy to celebrate two very exciting moments with two of the most important people in my life. (left) Jenn asked me to be a bridesmaid (isn't that card awesome?) (right) Kim is having a baby girl next month.​ I cannot wait to meet little Baby W and am so excited for Kim & Billy.

​After Kim's shower today, I headed over to visit my family, looked up and saw the below "optical phenomenon"... a rainbow around the Sun. It lasted for at least an hour. Pretty cool, huh? I'm taking it as a sign of good things to come (because, you know, it has to have a meaning, right?! ;) ).

Did anyone else see this today? Is anyone else running the Run to Remember next week? Do tell.​

Have a sunny week! xo